One of the main contributions of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is utilizing texts as a language object or as a vehicle instrument. That is using texts to learn linguistic knowledge or to acquire encyclopedic knowledge of general life. Though ESL published course books (even for a general purpose) have already followed this tendency for ages now, teachers still mix both approaches when teaching as well evaluating the reading activities they present and design to their learners.
This is probably due to some good reasons. The first is related to methods of teaching , the CLT in particular, which highlights to a great extent reading for knowledge. The second refers to meeting learner's needs when designing, teaching and evaluating the reading activities. As ESL teachers, we (as part of our traditional training and outlooks) subconsciously tend to focus on linguistic forms and communicative competencies rather than other meanings and academic, professional transferrable skills.
TALO or Text as a linguistic Object is used for language work, specifically grammar or vocabulary. By contrast, TAVI: Text as a vehicle for information assumes students should understand the overall meaning of a text rather than its details..
Hello Sami,
TALO: Text as a linguistic object, i.e., using text to learn grammar or vocabulary.
TAVI: Text as a vehicle for information, i.e., using text to learn new info, not language aspects.
TASP: Text as a springboard/stimulus for production, i.e., using text as a basis for carrying out relevant tasks.
Best,
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